Geysir — Attraction in Iceland

Geysir, located in the Haukadalur Valley in southwest Iceland, is the geothermal feature that gave its name to all geysers worldwide. Though the Great Geysir itself now erupts infrequently, the area remains one of Iceland’s most fascinating natural sites, offering a powerful glimpse into the island’s volcanic heart.

The star attraction today is Strokkur, a nearby geyser that erupts every 5–10 minutes, shooting boiling water 15 to 30 meters (50–100 ft) into the air. The anticipation, sudden burst, and steamy aftermath create a thrilling spectacle that delights visitors of all ages.

The geothermal area around Geysir is alive with bubbling mud pots, steaming vents, and sulfur-scented earth. Wooden walkways make it easy to explore, and interpretive signs explain the science behind the geothermal activity. The contrast of the steamy ground against Iceland’s rugged landscape is both surreal and beautiful.

Easily accessible from Reykjavík and located on the Golden Circle route, Geysir is a convenient and unmissable stop. Whether you're into geology or just want to see nature in action, the Geysir geothermal area delivers a dynamic and...

Free entry and amazing to see the geysers, the largest of which goes off regularly at the moment (approx every four or five minutes). Every third or fourth eruption is bigger for some reason so be sure to watch a few of them :-)

Aside from the main one, there are numerous small bubbling ponds around in various states of activity. "Litil Geysir" was bubbling away constantly (you pass it on the way to it's bigger brother).

Getting to the place is easy enough (it's on a main road).

Paths were a little icy when we visited in early February and we perhaps should have brought some crampons to see everything but it wasn't too bad to see most of it. As with most outdoor attractions in Iceland, you must be sure to wrap up warm in winter. The shop is quite expensive (even for Iceland!) but that is perhaps not unexpected given that the attraction itself is free! There is a café also but cannot comment on that as we did not eat there.

Toilets available also.

A must-see for any...

Geysir is the original geyser after which all others are named. Apparently, the Great Geysir, stopped spouting in about 1916, since which time, to make it more of a tourist attraction, people have occasionally put baking soda down it to set if off. But its jetting days are over. We realised this after looking at it (now a vaguely steamy hole in the ground) for about 20 minutes and wondering why no one else was.

We then followed the crowds round the corner to today’s main event, Strokkur geyser, which does go off spectacularly every few minutes. Just before each mini-explosion, you can see the water gurgling back down the hole in the Earth’s crust, then a blue alien–like bubble forms before shooting a jet of boiling water between 20-60 feet into the sky. You can stay there all day, and it will go off regular as clockwork (and until you get the perfect photo).

You can then walk up the hill to see more other–worldly coloured pools of milky blue and...